New Laws Regarding North Carolina Auto Insurance
March 16, 2010 by Gary Sides
Several new laws went into effect across North Carolina regarding your personal auto, insurance and other transportation issues;
- License plate frames can no longer cover the state name or registration sticker. Initially drivers will get warnings through Nov. of 2010 then you may be subject to a fine.
- Insured car owners now have a three day grace period after their registration expires to register the vehicle and obtain the required safety inspection.
- Its now illegal to send text messages, e-mails and use the Internet while driving. This law applies even when the car is stopped at a traffic light. The penalty is a $100 fine.
- Reptiles must be in secured containers while in transport. If the animal escapes and attacks someone, the owner can be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Instead of the old safety inspection sticker in the window to remind you its time for another inspection the inspection is based on your registration renewal date. When you complete the inspection at a certified inspection station the information is loaded into a statewide database. Your registration cannot be renewed unless the inspection has been completed.
Gary Sides
Marshall Insurance
Cell Phones and Teen Drivers: A Dangerous Combination?
January 30, 2009 by Gary Sides
A new traffic study suggests NC teenagers have not paid much attention to state law that bans cell phone use by drivers under 18. The law went into effect in Dec. 2006.
A study was conducted by the UNC center and the Institute for Highway Safety. Researchers parked outside of 25 high schools discovered over 11% of teens were talking on cell phones while driving away from school.
Another study found 64% of teens were aware of the law forbidding cell phone use but only 39% of parents were aware of the ban.
Experts liken the use of cell phone while driving to have the same effects as being under the influence of alcohol.